Disestablishing: meaning, definitions and examples
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disestablishing
[dɪsɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ ]
Definition
Context #1 | Verb
political action
Disestablishing refers to the act of terminating the formal recognition of a church or a religious organization as the official church of a state. This process often involves the removal of financial support and the severing of ties between the state and the church.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The government is considering disestablishing the state church.
- Historical tensions often emerge during discussions of disestablishing institutions.
- Disestablishing the church can lead to significant changes in religious practices.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term is derived from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'to reverse,' and 'establish,' which comes from the Latin 'stabilire' meaning 'to make firm.'
- In English, the word began to appear in the 19th century, particularly in political and religious contexts.
- It is often used in discussions about church-state relations, particularly when a state removes its official support for a church.
Historical Context
- In the United States, the concept emerged during debates about the separation of church and state, especially around the 19th century.
- The Disestablishment Clause of the First Amendment was an early legal assertion against the established church, influencing religious freedom.
- Countries like England and Italy have undergone processes of disestablishment regarding their national churches.
Political Science
- Disestablishing is often linked to broader movements advocating for the separation of religion from government practices.
- Critics argue that disestablishing can lead to social unrest, as established institutions can provide stability within a society.
- It sometimes leads to debates about identity, community cohesion, and the role of government in recognizing religious practices.
Cultural Impact
- Many literary works and speeches reference disestablishment, highlighting the struggle for individual freedoms.
- Art and music have often reflected the tensions surrounding established beliefs and the desire for change, linking back to this concept.
- Cultural festivities in societies that have undergone disestablishment often celebrate freedom from past restrictions.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the morality of disestablishing entities that historically provided community support and stability.
- The discussions often center around the balance between freedom of religion and the necessity for a secular government.
- Notable scholars argue about the ethical implications of disestablishing established institutions on societal trust.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,419, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.